Order granted on extension of state capture inquiry

© Richard Van der Spuy – 123RF.com

“Although the extension of the 180 days within which the Commission must complete its work is subject to the confirmation by the Court on 2 October 2018, the order of the High Court granting the extension is most welcome,” Chairperson of the Commission, Deputy Chief Justice Zondo said in a statement on Wednesday, 25 July 2018.

Last Thursday, the Chairperson of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry Into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud In the Public Sector Including Organs of State (Commission), Deputy Chief Justice Zondo, launched an urgent application in the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Pretoria, for an order extending the 180 days within which the Commission is required to complete its work.

The period of 180 days was included in the remedial action of the “State of Capture” Report released by the former Public Protector Adv Thuli Madonsela in October 2016.

“It brings relief to the Commission, the Secretary and his staff, the Commission’s Legal Team and Investigators since we are given more time to do this very important work of the Commission.

“If the extension is confirmed on 2 October we will be able to really focus on our work without having to be concerned that in a few months’ time the Commission may have to stop its work because the 180 days will be up which has been the case so far, particularly for many of the people appointed to assist the Commission or to work for the Commission,” Zondo said.

The order that was granted on Wednesday gives various persons and organisations the opportunity to oppose the confirmation of the extension of the 180 days’ time frame on 2 October 2018 should they wish to do so.

“To give them this opportunity was important because the urgent application was brought without notice to them due to the urgency occasioned by the looming expiry of the 180 days,” according to the statement released by the Commission of State Capture.